By: Amber Behrens
Omega 3 begins in the ocean with one of the basic organisms, algae. Using energy from the sun, these algae create a short and long chain fatty acids. Two long-chain forms are particularly important to human health- DHA and EPA. Omega 3’s are called “essential” because we need them for proper health and our bodies cannot produce them. This means we must get them through diet or supplementation. In fact, omega-3s are essential at every stage of life. From infancy to adolescence, omega 3s can have a powerful effect on healthy physical and mental development. Studies show that a regular intake of omega 3s significantly decrease the risk of nonfatal heart attack and stroke, and decreased the overall rate of death.
Why should you consume a regular dose of omega 3 with activity such as CrossFit? Well, omega 3 fatty acids may be both protective, so that inflammation doesn’t go up, as well as therapeutic by helping inflammation go down.
Benefits include the following:
- Promote healthy eye and vision
- Promote joint mobility and flexibility
- Nourish skin, hair, and nails
- Promote healthy immune response
Amber Behrens is one of the coaches at CrossFit West of the River, located at 609 S Main St, Sapulpa. Learn more about their fitness and nutritional programs at crossfitwestoftheriver.com
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